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February 20, 2008

Student recruitment for documentary film

Shaun Huston, associate professor in geography and film studies at Western Oregon University, is beginning pre-production on a documentary film that will explore Portland, Oregon’s attraction to, particularly, creators and publishers of comics. This is a recruitment notice for students interested in working as crew on the film.

For the past two decades, Portland has been known for Dark Horse Comics. More recently, it has become home to a range of artists and writers, including Brian Michael Bendis and Greg Rucka, and other important publishers, including Oni Press and Top Shelf Productions. The largest comics studio in the U.S., Periscope Studio, is also located in the city. Stores such as Reading Frenzy and people such as author and critic Douglas Wolk and librarian and author Sara Ryan also add to Portland’s comics culture.

The purpose of the documentary will be to give audiences a sense of what makes Portland, Oregon a vibrant “comics town.”

Number of positions: There is room for up to five students to intern as production assistants on the documentary.

Compensation: These positions are unpaid, but students may earn course credit through Western Oregon University for their work.

Responsibilities: Tasks will vary, but may include any or all of the following.

  • Assisting with background research.
  • Sound recording.
  • Operating a digital video camera.
  • Setting up equipment on location.
  • Assisting in securing legal permissions related to the documentary.
  • Assisting with interviews.
  • Assisting with sound and video editing.
  • Taking still photographs.

Requirements: No experience is required, but interested students should be:

  • Reliable.
  • Willing and able to work periodically through September 2008.
  • Willing and able to travel to Portland.
  • Willing and able to attend meetings in Monmouth.

Application: To apply, provide the following:

  • A letter explaining your interest in working on the documentary and why you should be selected for the crew. Where appropriate, include information regarding relevant skills and experience. Such experience may include Film Studies courses taken at Western or another institution.
  • Two references who can provide insight into your reliability, and, where appropriate, skills and experience.

Send applications to:

Shaun Huston
Geography and Film Studies
Western Oregon University
345 N Monmouth Ave
Monmouth, Oregon 97361
hustons@wou.edu

If you have questions about the project or the positions, e-mail Dr. Huston, or call at 503.838.8296

Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.

Posted by hustons at February 20, 2008 1:55 PM